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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what language does the narrator try to speak to the cashier?
(a) Spanish.
(b) Swedish.
(c) Swahili.
(d) Sinhala.

2. What does Triton say when Mr. Salgado asks him if he has any schooling?
(a) He has some schooling but he does not like the teachers.
(b) He's been to school, knows how to read and write, and speaks some English.
(c) He has no time for school because he's had to help raise his siblings.
(d) He's been to school at the temple and is familiar with religious teachings.

3. Why does Triton run away from home?
(a) His mother wants him to become a temple priest, but he refuses.
(b) He is tired of the daily beatings he receives from his uncle.
(c) He is the oldest of twelve kids and he wants to get away from the daily chaos.
(d) He burns a roof at his school and fears his father's wrath.

4. The haberdasher who stops by Mr. Salgado's house on Thursdays is one of the what who stops by regularly?
(a) Beggars.
(b) Vendors.
(c) Gardeners.
(d) Researchers.

5. When Mr. Salgado returns from his trip and finds Joseph first missing and later drunk, what does he do?
(a) Gives him coffee.
(b) Asks Triton what happened.
(c) Punches him.
(d) Fires him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What vehicle does the narrator own when the story opens?

2. When Triton finds himself alone with Joseph at Mr. Salgado's house, what is he afraid of?

3. Does the cashier understand the suggestions the narrator gives him in a Sri Lankan language?

4. Where does the cashier invite the narrator to?

5. What is the narrator doing as the story opens?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the opening scene, what kind of trouble does the cashier experience?

2. Why does Triton often seek refuge in Lucy-amma's kitchen?

3. Why is young Triton brought to Mr. Salgado's home?

4. During their first meeting, how does Triton reply when Mr. Salgado asks if he's been to school?

5. Where does this story begin?

6. Why does the gas station cashier want the narrator to speak with his boss?

7. Describe the Volkswagen introduced in the first part of the book.

8. At the end of the first section, what does the narrator begin to talk about with the gas station cashier?

9. What does the London cashier say about the situation back home in Sri Lanka?

10. Describe the relationship between Triton and Joseph.

(see the answer keys)

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